The Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards For Sale on Amazon in 2019

Gaming keyboards are designed to give gamers a competitive edge. What kind of edge? It depends on the gamer and the style of game.

Mechanical keyboards are a solid choice for gamers who live or die by quick response times. Mechanical keys are simple to press and there's no doubt when you've pressed one (they make a clickety-clackety sound like an old IBM keyboard).

Programmable (macro) keys are useful for gamers who want to execute complex actions in a single keystroke. Gamers with big- or small-hands may prefer keyboards with ergonomic layouts. Backlighting is...well, backlighting just looks cool (and it does let you game better in the dark).

An expensive gaming keyboard usually isn't worth it unless you have a specific need. Don't expect a gaming keyboard to make a huge difference in your gameplay and you won't be disappointed.

Here are the best-reviewed gaming keyboards that have sold for $50 or less in the last 12 months:

Regdragon's mechanical keyboard is a great value, according to several Amazon customers who appreciate the keyboard's construction, lighting and punchy keys. Several reviewers noted that this keyboard is extremely loud.

Redragon's S101 keyboard gets high praise from Amazon customers who were impressed by it's performance and beautiful lighting. Some reviewers were frustrated by the included-mouse's accuracy, build-quality and buttons.

VicTsing's keyboard has a nice feel and its volume control buttons are convenient, according to several Amazon customers. Some reviewers say the keyboard's buttons are laid out strangely and the keys are noisy.

Corsair's K55 is not a mechanical keyboard (it uses membrane keys), but several Amazon customers say that it types well and has a tactile feel. The keyboard gets high praise for its RGB lighting, but some reviewers criticized the placement of the G (macro) keys.

HyperX's Cherry MX gaming keyboard has responsive switches with nice tactile feedback, according to several Amazon customers. Some reviewers say that this keyboard is not good for typing; others complain that some switches stick over time.

This Gigabyte mechanical keyboard is built solidly and works great for typing and gaming, according to several Amazon customers. Some reviewers found the keyboard's lighting control software (downloaded separately) to be frustrating.

DBPower's backlit gaming keyboard doesn't have mechanical switches, but it's made to look like it does. Several Amazon customers praised this keyboard's looks and lighting, but there aren't as many reviews that praise the keyboard's gaming performance.